Description
In every political society there has been a structure of power sharing. Some have been more democratic and egalitarian than others. In this essay, explain the proper role of power and authority (be it governmental or another kind) in political society. In other words, make an argument for how power and authority should be shared (or not shared) and exercised in communities, regions, countries, and even globally. Should it be purely repressive? Should it be democratic? Should a given authority only exercise force when protecting its own legitimacy or power? Or, should it be productive and enhance the capabilities of those under its control? Does inequality (natural or economic) play a role? Should authority be vested in only a certain kind of individual or should it belong to everyone equally? How? Why? In your answer, consider different sources of power and authority (epistemological, intellectual, economic, legal, traditional, democratic, participatory, moral or amoral) and how they are usually legitimized. Reference different key thinkers such as Plato and Machiavelli.
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Running Head: POWER AND AUTHORITY
Power and Authority
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POWER AND AUTHORITY
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Role of Power and Authority in Political Society
Power and authority are very vital aspects within all organizations, particularly the
political organizations. These two concepts are different however closely related. Power is
different from authority in that we need power in order to establish authority. Power involves
taking and implementing decisions. Power should however not involve coercion or force or
threat of force. An organization will find it hard doing its duties and achieving its objective
without power.
Robert Dahl in most of his works he defined power and did the analysis of the various
aspects of power. With regards to Dahl Democratic Theory, power is a type of relationship in
respect to control and capability (Dahl, 1957). Power basically involves a successful attempt of
making someone to do something which they couldn’t have done. It has a connotation of
unilateralism. Power is mostly derived from different sources which include; the social class, this
is because material belongings or wealth can be equal to power. Currency that is the material
items like money and property. Group charisma and ascribed power and social influence of
tradition.
Authority on the other hand is a right which is given to an individual for the purpose of
achieving the objectives of an organization. It is the right of getting things to be done through
others. It i...
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